Butterfly Trek Madone

TheButterfly Trek Madone,an artwork utilizing abicyclebyDamien Hirst,became the world's most expensive bicycle when it was bought atauctionfor $500,000.It was designed by Hirst, who used realbutterfly wingsthat were placed onto the actual frame and wheels of the bicycle.The bike had been ridden byLance Armstrongin the2009 Tour de France.

About

TheButterfly Trek Madonecurrently holds the title of the most expensive bike sold in the world. The second most expensive bike ever sold was the Trek Yoshitomo Nara Speed Concept that was sold for $200,000.Since theButterfly Trek Madoneutilized the beauty of natural wings taken from butterflies,it was predicted that PETA was highly opposed to this art piece. There were also animal rights activists that called Hirst's bike art "barbaric." The original release of the bike was in July 2009 before the actual auction.The original concept was in honor of Lance Armstrong's return to cycling.

Auction

Butterfly Trek Madonewas auctioned atSotheby'sfor theLivestrong Foundation.Armstrong's excitement was evident onTwitterwhen he tweeted during the auction that the bike had gone "for 500,000.00!!! Half a million bucks!!!"The event that theButterfly Trek Madonewas being presented at was the "It's About the Bike" auction held on 1 November 2009 in New York City. The auction was held to raise money and benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation's cancer research, awareness, and advocacy. At the auction a total of $1.25 million that was raised. There were about 20 renowned artists that were asked to utilize their expertise to create unique artwork to be showcased and ultimately auctioned off. It ended up being Hirst'sButterfly Trek Madonethat sold for $500,000.00.